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The Name of the Wind

Kingkiller Chronicle, Book 1

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About this listen

Discover #1 New York Times bestselling Patrick Rothfuss’ epic fantasy series, The Kingkiller Chronicle.

“I just love the world of Patrick Rothfuss.” (Lin-Manuel Miranda)

“He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.” (George R. R. Martin)

“Rothfuss has real talent.” (Terry Brooks)

Over 1 Million Copies Sold!

Day One: The Name of the Wind

My name is Kvothe.

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

So begins a tale unequaled in fantasy literature - the story of a hero told in his own voice. It is a tale of sorrow, a tale of survival, a tale of one man’s search for meaning in his universe, and how that search, and the indomitable will that drove it, gave birth to a legend.

Praise for The Kingkiller Chronicle:

“The best epic fantasy I read last year.... He’s bloody good, this Rothfuss guy.” (George R. R. Martin, New York Times bestselling author of A Song of Ice and Fire)

“Rothfuss has real talent, and his tale of Kvothe is deep and intricate and wondrous.” (Terry Brooks, New York Times bestselling author of Shannara)

"It is a rare and great pleasure to find a fantasist writing...with true music in the words." (Ursula K. Le Guin, award-winning author of Earthsea)

"The characters are real and the magic is true.” (Robin Hobb, New York Times bestselling author of Assassin’s Apprentice)

"Masterful.... There is a beauty to Pat's writing that defies description." (Brandon Sanderson, New York Times bestselling author of Mistborn)

©2007 by Patrick Rothfuss. (P)2009 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.
Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Royalty Magic Paranormal Celebrity Magic Users Classics

Publisher's Summary


Kvothe, is he a warrior or a foe? Understand the fantasy novel story behind the rebellious child who was banned from the university he attended.

In The Name of the Wind, the first book in the Kingkiller Chronicle trilogy, writer Patrick Rothfuss tells Kvothe’s unabridged journey as the English innkeeper who finds himself in situations that he can overcome by any means and beyond what is known, including the mysteries of gods, magic, love, and deceit. With a rebellious spirit, bravery, and self-reliance, Kvothe gets involved in encounters of a different kind and seeks to enter a realm of perilous magic.

The story journeys through Kvothe’s life as he grows into adulthood, facing the world alone but trying to bring and keep people together. He gains relationships that he values. Through exhilarating yet fascinating life events, Kvothe has become a person of multiple skills and abilities–regardless of the lack of money he had in his lifetime. He continues to seek and experience more in this epic fantasy, irrespective of what is involved. Rupert Degas narrates this exciting audiobook.

In The Name of the Wind, the listener will hear more about the levels of magic involved, and be prepared to take fascination to another level. Add the second and third book of the Kingkiller Chronicle to your Audible Wish List, and be prepared to be captivated by this trilogy.

What the critics say

“The originality of Rothfuss's outstanding debut fantasy, the first of a trilogy, lies less in its unnamed imaginary world than in its precise execution…As absorbing on a second reading as it is on the first, this is the type of assured, rich first novel most writers can only dream of producing. The fantasy world has a new star.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Fantasy readers-a notoriously discerning group-tend to dole out praise judiciously, which makes the reception of The Name of the Wind, the first volume in Patrick Rothfuss's The Kingkiller Chronicle, that much more remarkable. Critics are already throwing around comparisons to some of the biggest names in fantasy, including George R. R. Martin, Tad Williams, the recently deceased Robert Jordan, and even Tolkien. (Bookmarks Magazine)

“New fantasy authors are usually overhyped, and it's rare to find one who writes with such assurance and narrative skill right from the start. I was reminded of Ursula LeGuin, George R. R. Martin, and J. R. R. Tolkien, but never felt that Rothfuss was imitating anyone. Like the writers he clearly admires, he's an old-fashioned storyteller working with traditional elements, but his voice is his own. I haven't been so gripped by a new fantasy series in years. It's certain to become a classic." (Lisa Tuttle, The Times)

Featured Article: 10 Books Like The Game of Thrones

George R.R. Martin’s epic series A Song of Ice and Fire was already a big name in the fantasy world prior to its television adaptation, after which it became a worldwide phenomenon and one of the most-watched shows in history. The TV series inspired a new wave of interest and love for the original works, but with the show well and truly finished and just two titles left to release in the series, fantasy fans are asking: What’s next? Whether you’re a longtime fan of A Song of Ice and Fire or a newcomer to the fantasy genre who fell in love with its HBO adaptation, these books like Game of Thrones are sure to enthrall, thrill, and delight.

All stars
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story was well written, but the narrorator made it hard to tell who was speaking as all the voices sounded very similar.

great story, narration needs work

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The book was well written and engaging but not the best Fantasy novel I've read, much prefer something along the lines of Tigana.

The narrator was amazing and I will search out future books that he has narrated. Really made the story come alive.

Great Story, Excellent Narration.

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One of my favorite books. I read it first and recently decided to re-visit it through audio. I love it. Patrick Rothfuss creates something beautiful and intriguing, and Nick Podehl brings it to life in a way that leaves you craving more. #Audible1

A Masterpiece

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Simply a perfectly written marvel of literature with a stellar voice performance. Please, you must listen.

Super

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I've always been a fan of epic fantasy, and the Kingkiller Chronicles managed to take my love for fantasy to the next level. The character development in this book was fantastic. I found myself heavily invested in many of the characters, hating some nearly as much as Kvothe had. This was all brought forth through the narration of Nick Podehl, who is my new favorite narrator on Audible. I'd recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

#Audible1

The Name of Things

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